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Winter Watch

Winter Watch

As winter draws colder, the weather becomes more adverse; and it can have a serious effect on the way we live, and our day to day jobs.

Not only will we keep you up to date on air about any changes – school closures, community closures, frequent travel updates, and various other things that will be effected – we’ll also have all the information you need right here as well.

School Closures

When there is severe weather that closes in, or burst pipes, we’ve got the most comprehensive list of school closures and affected services in the area, that will appear below as we have it. Scroll down to find out information on schools in your area. This list is updated constantly as we get more information into the studio, so keep it bookmarked to find out what is going on. If your school is not listed below, then we have not been informed of its closure by the Head Teacher, and advise you to contact your school to find out if it has been affected.

Current School Closures

This list will update as we receive information
full list from Essex county council here –
https://www.essex.gov.uk/Education-Schools/Schools/Dates/Pages/Emergency-School-Closures.aspx
Please see more from Essex County Council

Gateway 97.8 relies on schools and local education authorities to notify us of closures by calling 01268 833978 or emailing [email protected]. Headteachers: you can email your school closures to [email protected]. Email notifications must come from a verifiable email address and contain a contact telephone number.

Listen to Gateway 97.8 throughout the day for any updates

Emergency Contacts

NHS Direct: You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

Basildon Council: 01268 533333 [In an emergency 01268 286622]

Thurrock Council: 01375 652652 [In an emergency 01375 372468]

Essex Police: 101

In an emergency: 999

Useful Winter Advice

On the road
When driving in winter, particularly at night, it’s worth remembering that the roads are likely to be icy. Across the whole of Essex the gritters are out most nights to try and combat this, however it won’t fully solve the problem. Please take extra care when driving (particularly when snowing as visibility will be reduced) and remember to look out for ice, and be cautious – when the road seems wet, it could also be icy.

Always take a phone in case of emergencies, warm clothes or a blanket in case you break down, and keep an emergency triangle, a torch and maybe even a spade if you have one for becoming trapped in the snow.

At home
Be sure to test your boiler and get it regularly serviced. Make sure you have basic essentials that will last – tinned food/frozen food in case conditions become so bad you can’t get to the shops – remember, this also includes salt for gritting your driveway, or if your road has a grit bin on it, you are permitted to use it to grit outside your house – as long as you don’t use it on private property. Keep candles/matches in a stock in case of a power cut, as well as blankets and warm clothing.